New in the Cinema: “Zoomania 2” and “The imposter – Roofman”
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With the animated film “Zoomania 2,” Disney is trying to get back on the road to success – and the chances of that happening are pretty good. Also new on the big screen this week: the really triumphant comedy “The Imposter – Roofman”.
Disney Returns to Form with “Zootopia 2” – and a charming Underdog Story
“Moana” and “Snow White” are now seen by film fans as symbols of the lack of creativity that Disney has apparently taken hold of. The mouse company had forgotten how to make mice.
With the animated comedy “Zootopia 2” they are now trying to go back and build on old successful formulas: cuteness staged with a loose hand and a lot of attention to detail, here a bit of harmless spice, there a lot of childish scheme with big eyes and the blockbuster is finished according to a conventional, familiar pattern.
And the strange thing is that this really seems to work. Because “Zootopia 2” is at least as entertaining and entertaining as part 1 in 2016. This is how mouse cinema is fun – especially in the run-up to christmas!
And if you like something more challenging but still with a lot of heart, “The Impostor – roofman” is recommended. A warm-hearted, likeable and successful comedy with great main actors and a story that is based on true events.Have fun!
“Zootopia 2”: A Return to Form for Disney?
“Zootopia 2” aims to recapture the magic of the 2016 original, delivering a fast-paced, visually appealing animated adventure with a heartwarming message. Judy and Nick are back, this time investigating a hidden reptile “reserve” and uncovering a surprising secret about Zootopia’s founders – the ancestors of da’Snake.
The film boasts a star-studded voice cast, including returning favorites ginnifer Goodwin (Judy) and Jason Bateman (Nick), alongside Idris Elba, Andy Samberg, Shakira, Danny Trejo, Macaulay Culkin, michael J. Fox, and even Ed Sheeran as sheep shearer Ed Shearin.
While visually similar to its predecessor, “Zootopia 2” draws inspiration from classic “Buddy Cop” comedies. Beneath the spectacle, the film subtly conveys a powerful message about the dangers of exclusion and the value of inclusivity, drawing parallels to past and societal segregation.
For those who feel disney has strayed from its traditional formula in recent years,”Zootopia 2″ may represent a welcome return to the storytelling that made the studio a household name – a tale of unlikely friendship,suitable for all ages,with both entertainment and emotional depth.
“The Imposter – Roofman”
What its about After returning to the USA, ex-soldier Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum) tries to make a new start, but it doesn’t really work out: money is tight, he can’t find a job, and he’s struggling to provide for his family (3 children). And his wife is already thinking about divorce.
out of necessity, he comes up with a vrey lucrative idea: He breaks into dozens of McDonald’s branches, always via the unguarded roofs, which quickly earns him the nickname “Roofman” in the media. He uses the loot to buy a house for the family, and suddenly there is money for all kinds of gifts. Until Jeffrey is caught – and has to go to prison for 45 years. In addition, his (now) ex wants to forbid her children from having contact with him.
!Hiding in a Toys’R’us store: Channing Tatum as a convict on the run in “The Impostor – Roofman”
Constantin
!Well, that’s fitting: Jeff and single mother Leigh (Kirsten Dunst)
## “Roofman”: A Tragic Comedy with a Heart
One point a friend says to him that the career of a criminal would not suit him, Manchester: he is too nice, not coldly calculating enough.That’s the impression you get as a viewer, and you can’t help but feel sympathy for the protagonist. The extent to which the fictionalized film character is congruent with the real model can of course only be assumed.
Nasty as usual: Peter Dinklage as the megastore manager (Constantin)
The fact that “Roofman” works so well as a film is due not least to the convincing acting of all the actors. Channing Tatum is the highlight: He delivers a great performance as the leading actor and is thus recommended for various film awards. It’s extraordinary how nuanced he plays this unusual character.
“The Impostor – roofman”, tragic comedy. USA 2025, 120 minutes, in cinemas from November 27th
“The Perfect Gift”
Charlotte (Camille Lellouche, no relation to Gilles Lellouche from “Zone 3”) has a birthday on December 22nd and every year she receives inappropriate gifts from her family that remind her of her single life. When she gets a stripper as a gift, she has enough of it and decides to just take the man with her to the next family party. This and other incidents lead to full-blown holiday chaos. French pre-Christmas comedy with rather crude humor.
“Then Life Happens” and “Karla”: Two German Films Tackle Challenging Subjects with Heart
Two German films, “Then Life Happens” (Dann eben passiert) and “Karla,” currently in theaters, offer compelling narratives that delve into challenging themes with sensitivity and nuance. While distinct in their approaches,both films resonate with audiences by exploring complex human experiences.
“Then Life happens” – A Late-Life Love Story with a Twist
Directed by Sabine Bernardi, “Then Life Happens” is a romantic comedy that centers on Hans (Ulrich Tukur) and Rita (Anke Engelke), two individuals who unexpectedly find love in their sixties.Their budding romance takes an unforeseen turn when Hans receives a diagnosis of early-onset dementia.
The film skillfully balances humor and heartache, portraying the couple’s determination to savor their time together despite the looming shadow of the disease. It’s a refreshingly honest portrayal of love, aging, and the challenges of facing an uncertain future. The performances by Tukur and Engelke are particularly praised for their authenticity and emotional depth.
Critics have lauded the film’s ability to avoid sentimentality, instead opting for a realistic and relatable depiction of a couple navigating a difficult situation. “Then Life Happens” is not just a love story; it’s a poignant exploration of resilience, acceptance, and the importance of living in the moment.
“Karla” – A Historical Drama confronting Post-War Trauma
“Karla,” directed by Ersan Gonenc, transports viewers to 1962 Germany. The film follows twelve-year-old Karla as she navigates the complexities of a fractured family and a society grappling with the aftermath of World War II. Karla’s mother, haunted by her past, struggles to provide a stable home, leading Karla to seek solace and guidance elsewhere.
“Karla” is a powerful and moving drama that confronts the lingering trauma of war and its impact on subsequent generations. The film doesn’t shy away from difficult themes, offering a nuanced portrayal of guilt, shame, and the search for identity. It’s a story about a young girl’s resilience in the face of adversity and her journey towards self-discovery.
Both “Then Life Happens” and “Karla” demonstrate the strength of contemporary German cinema, offering thought-provoking and emotionally resonant stories that stay with viewers long after the credits roll. They are films that remind us of the power of human connection and the importance of confronting difficult truths.